Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a great tool for helping manage your out-of-pocket health care expenses. Follow these five strategies below to make sure you are getting the most out of your HSA account. 

1. Contribute as much as you can. HSAs are designed to offer triple tax benefits—meaning you put your money in tax-free, it gains interest tax-free and you can withdraw it tax-free for qualified medical expenses. In addition, many employers will contribute to an employee’s HSA account. To boost your savings for future medical expenses, contribute as much as you can up to the HSA combined employer and employee contribution limit. In 2021, the individual limit is $3,600 while the family limit is $7,200. The limits will increase in 2022 to $3,650 and $7,300, respectively.
2. Use over-the-counter (OTC) drugs if at all feasible. Some medications that were once only available by prescription can now be found on store shelves. Choosing a generic drug over a brand name OTC drug can also help generate greater cost savings.
3. Only visit the emergency room in an emergency situation, and understand your network. Remember that your doctor’s office and the urgent care center are more appropriate places to treat conditions that are not life-threatening—and they are a lot more cost-effective. When seeking care, it is also important to know what physicians are in your plan’s network, since out-of-network care will typically result in higher out-of-pocket costs.

However, if your condition is life-threatening (for example, if you’re experiencing chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding or severe abdominal pain following an injury) do not hesitate to go to the emergency room, as this is best place to receive the life-saving care you need.

• Beware of possible medical billing errors. Medical billing errors can cost patients thousands of dollars. Before paying a bill, review your statement for accuracy. If you are wondering about a claim, ask for an itemized statement so that you can see a breakdown of the services you are being charged for and can verify that you received them. Taking the time to review your charges can help save you money.
• Stay healthy! Regular exercise, a healthy diet and abstaining from tobacco can help you avoid health issues in the first place. Be sure to use preventive services (such as annual physicals) that are covered without any cost-sharing by your high deductible health plan. All of these choices can help you stay healthy and preserve money in your HSA for years to come.

Have questions about investments? Contact Witkemper Insurance Group and Financial Services.